Services

Coach parking could hit footfall

STANHOPE'S plans for the Maltings do now include coach drop-off and pick-up facilities.

Whether tourists arriving by coach and the coach operators will find the proposals as attractive as the current set-up remains a key question.

It would be unfortunate if Salisbury were to lose tourist trade to other destinations that can provide quicker and easier access arrangements for coaches.

There is also the matter of increased coach movements around the city.

The Salisbury Vision has an aspiration to minimise the number of traffic movements circulating or travelling through the city centre to help provide a safe environment free from the negative effects of traffic and pollution.

Coaches dropping off in the Maltings and then proceeding to a longer term parking facility at Britford park and ride before returning to the Maltings later for pick-up will clearly increase coach mileage compared to the current situation.

Has the impact of this proposed change on traffic congestion and air quality on the ring road and in the city been assessed?

The revised Phase 1 Strategy for the Maltings presented by Stanhope to the Salisbury Area Board in May shows the Millstream Coach Park area being developed as 'restaurants'.

Given the current trend from retail to restaurants in the city centre the question must arise as to whether further restaurants at this location would impact on the vitality of the historic city centre.

Does Salisbury need a new area of eating establishments more than it needs its coach park?

Ipsoregulated

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